Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 677 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 517 out of 677
  2. Mixed: 112 out of 677
  3. Negative: 48 out of 677
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  1. SAMF2000
    Nov 17, 2011
    10
    First let me say anyone giving this redone version a bad score are too young to remember the original.
    This game improves graphics and adds afew new modes and kinect features ... A great remake of a classic that made xbox so popular and made fps games accessible on consoles for first time
  2. spartan117gw
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    Great game. It has some hiccups and issues. but reliving a legend is nothing short of awesome. and how you can see the difference is amazing. thanks 343!
  3. PP7Silenced
    Mar 9, 2012
    10
    Presentation: 10/10 How do you honor a game that single handedly put the Xbox on the map, spawned countless clones and revolutionized the FPS genre? Remake it to look, sound, and feel like a brand new game while keeping all of the things that make the original great, intact. Weather your a casual Halo fan or just a fan of the genre you owe it to yourself to see where modern First-personPresentation: 10/10 How do you honor a game that single handedly put the Xbox on the map, spawned countless clones and revolutionized the FPS genre? Remake it to look, sound, and feel like a brand new game while keeping all of the things that make the original great, intact. Weather your a casual Halo fan or just a fan of the genre you owe it to yourself to see where modern First-person shooters as we know them today got there start.

    Gameplay: 9/10 It's not a bad thing that Bungie has taken the "if it isn't broke, don't fix it" approach to developing every Halo game since the original. Halo:CEA feels exactly how it did ten years ago. For better or worse, nothing has changed. What does that mean? That means that you will wish you could sprint on many occasion and will want to memorize where health packs are located before tackling the higher difficulties. This also means all of the powerful Halo:CE weapons return as well. All of the weapons feel as they should and enemies aren't the bullet sponges they seem to have evolved into in the sequels. Movement is what you would expect from a Halo title especially if you've played the latest title, Halo: Reach. The game-play as a whole is very solid, if not stretched a little thin at times.

    Graphics: 9/10 Artistically, Halo:CE always felt like the odd man out. Every other game was in sync as far as art style was concerned. It was as if Bungie didn't know what they wanted the environments of a Halo ring to look like in 2001. 343 Industry fixes this in Halo:CEA. Taking art assets from Halo 3 and Reach, 343 has done a fine job at helping this game to look in sync with the rest of the Halo Universe.
    Running on top of the pre-existing graphics engine does bring the quality down, only in one spot though. The character models. These high detail models need to match the old models geometry that exists underneath them. That means you get characters that look great when standing still but mouth movement and facial expressions just look funny in an almost buggy sort of way. Nothing that isn't forgettable but it's a shame they couldn't have at least re-made the cut-scenes from scratch considering you can't do an on the fly graphics change in the middle of them. Oh did I mention you could change the graphics back to how they looked in 2001 at the push of a button? It's awesome!

    Sound: 10/10 I was nervous when I heard they were re-recording all of the music and sound effects for Halo:CEA and for good reason. After 10 years, I know what Halo sounds like. The buzz of a plasma pistol, the pounding discharge of the sniper rifle, and the epic music that starts up as you make the long trek through a snowy battlefield. No matter how little they changed, it would not be for the better. Then I played the game, and was pleasantly surprised. Skywalker Orchestra did a great job at recreating what you heard in the original without trying to improve on it in any way other than improved sound quality. What this provides is an audio experience to match the visual splendor with the option to toggle all the audio back to the way it was in 2001 in the options menu. Like you would ever want to. 343 took great strides to make Halo:CEA feel like a 2011 FPS and it shows in the sound more than anything else. The character voices are just as you remember and fit in very well with the new audio.

    Value: 10/10 You get arguably the best campaign in the Halo series, new collectables in the form of skulls, terminals, and achievements. Multiplayer offers six new multiplayer maps and a new firefight map to play. If you have already been playing Reach for a year than the multiplayer offering may feel more like a map pack rather than a full fledged multiplayer option but with 343 releasing playlists that very closely emulate the Halo:CE experience in the Reach Engine there is plenty of reason to assemble old school Halo Party's for some late night fun. For the true Halo fan it's a must buy and the price is a great deal.
    But you know, James... Goldeneye was always better.    … Expand
  4. VidsRule
    Feb 22, 2013
    10
    Copy/Paste to all Halo reviews after all these years: I didn't have a 360 for a few years (played 3 and ODST). In the meantime I played all sorts of fps- COD, BF, Killzone (which is awesome), Resistance, and every single other one. And coming back to Halo when I rebought a 360 was like the greatest homecoming ever. Unlike those other games, every Halo battle is like a chess match waitingCopy/Paste to all Halo reviews after all these years: I didn't have a 360 for a few years (played 3 and ODST). In the meantime I played all sorts of fps- COD, BF, Killzone (which is awesome), Resistance, and every single other one. And coming back to Halo when I rebought a 360 was like the greatest homecoming ever. Unlike those other games, every Halo battle is like a chess match waiting to happen. And once you truly know every enemy and every weapon, you fall into a sweet spot of gaming that is possibly the best of all action games ever made. It's just the best. Great now I have to copy and paste this 4 more times.… Expand
  5. Libby
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    Halo 1 at its finest, a nice début for 343. The entire package is just brilliant and a must buy for any halo/fps fan. A fantastic game remade for current consoles.
  6. NorBdelta
    Nov 17, 2011
    10
    Personally I purchased Halo: Combat Evolved when it first came out on PC, it was a monumental event in my start to gaming addiction, it changed my perceptions of games, the story was gripping, the sound track blended perfectly with the current atmosphere and game situation, my emotions were played with beyond belief for an artificial world and universe. I became submerged in the HaloPersonally I purchased Halo: Combat Evolved when it first came out on PC, it was a monumental event in my start to gaming addiction, it changed my perceptions of games, the story was gripping, the sound track blended perfectly with the current atmosphere and game situation, my emotions were played with beyond belief for an artificial world and universe. I became submerged in the Halo phenomenon and have been a fan ever since.

    To start off with the revamp is a huge change to the look as well as the graphical aspect of the game, environments are now very detailed and suited to the levels, the swamp level now looks gorgeous and now ties in with the description from the book itself (Halo: The Flood which I recommend reading!).

    What can I say? The game is still the awesome product it was 10 years ago, and I know I am buying the game again at a cheaper rate than a standard Xbox 360 game again and so I don't feel that it is a money grabbing scheme. I got what I paid for and I have absolutely no regrets.    … Expand
  7. nbl6
    Nov 17, 2011
    10
    I'm starting to doubt the value of the score in video game reviews (83 is fine, not my point). There is such an inflation issue with the perspective of readers that devalues anything less than 90 to pure trash. Anyways, for Halo CE fans this game is a 100. It's the game we love, with the faults we love, now with online co-op. Nothing gets better than that.
  8. xXRenTyrellXx
    Nov 28, 2011
    10
    Bringing back to life the game that started it all for shooters; Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary is a must own for any real Halo fan. With the improved visuals and a remastered soundtrack, it's great to go back and experience the game that redefined shooters all over again in this modern looking state. Although I still love and cherish the classic version for old time sake, this isBringing back to life the game that started it all for shooters; Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary is a must own for any real Halo fan. With the improved visuals and a remastered soundtrack, it's great to go back and experience the game that redefined shooters all over again in this modern looking state. Although I still love and cherish the classic version for old time sake, this is without doubt a beautiful gift from "343" and I thank them dearly for it. Now, let's see what they can do with Halo 4.… Expand
  9. MaxxSwan13
    Dec 1, 2011
    10
    It really f*cking pisses me off that this game isn't getting 10's. It's a remake of ONE OF THE GREATEST GAMES KNOWN TO MAN! It doesn't have to be reviewed because we already know it's the best game ever! I saw people hating on the story for no f*cking reason!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WTF!?!??! There's nothing wrong with this game AT ALL! IT WILL ALWAYS BE BETTER THAN COD NO MATTER HOWIt really f*cking pisses me off that this game isn't getting 10's. It's a remake of ONE OF THE GREATEST GAMES KNOWN TO MAN! It doesn't have to be reviewed because we already know it's the best game ever! I saw people hating on the story for no f*cking reason!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WTF!?!??! There's nothing wrong with this game AT ALL! IT WILL ALWAYS BE BETTER THAN COD NO MATTER HOW MUCH COD TRIES TO MAKE IT BETTER IT WILL FAIL!… Expand
  10. Geoffory2
    Dec 1, 2011
    10
    Just a superb remake. Its the same campaign and it brings back a lot of great memories. Its a great first game for 343 studios and I hope they keep up the work and make an amazing Halo 4.
  11. smbz
    Nov 28, 2011
    10
    how could people dislike this its amazing its probes some retarded cod fans. this game isnt just a quick slop of hd graphics its art and really truly amazing. the only 2 downsides are the lips sync is a bit off and the multiplayer is reach multiplayer wish it was halo ce with hd graphics multiplayer but still great multiplayer. this game is far from mediocre and its the best halo so far.how could people dislike this its amazing its probes some retarded cod fans. this game isnt just a quick slop of hd graphics its art and really truly amazing. the only 2 downsides are the lips sync is a bit off and the multiplayer is reach multiplayer wish it was halo ce with hd graphics multiplayer but still great multiplayer. this game is far from mediocre and its the best halo so far. even though its updated graphics its still amazing. in fact i have to say i am glad 343 took over halo. great job 343 and the best 70 bucks aus spent this year. dislikes can suck on **** of duty modern gay **** stupid 3… Expand
  12. racinglightning
    Apr 11, 2012
    10
    What a great re-do of an old game. The new multi-player maps are fun and addictive, And the campaign looks just about as good as any new Halo. Now hopefully they will do the same with Halo 2.
  13. HofmanT
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    Halo fans asked for this remake to be as close to the original as possible with awesome HD graphics and online co-op. We got what we asked for. It feel and plays just like the game we all fell in love with 10 years ago while looking and sounding like a modern day FPS. Combined with a $15 Classic Maps DLC for Halo: Reach, this is definitely one of the best values you'll find this holidayHalo fans asked for this remake to be as close to the original as possible with awesome HD graphics and online co-op. We got what we asked for. It feel and plays just like the game we all fell in love with 10 years ago while looking and sounding like a modern day FPS. Combined with a $15 Classic Maps DLC for Halo: Reach, this is definitely one of the best values you'll find this holiday season for $40.00.… Expand
  14. DicePlayer
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    Halo:Anniversary is by far the best, and most enjoyble remasterd game ever made. The gameplay is identical to what it was 10 years ago, and the enhanced soundtrack with Halo:Reach visual's makes this a must buy for any true Halo fan. 10/10 Great Job 343i.
  15. bluemonkeyguy
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    I'm starting to doubt the value of the score in video game reviews (83 is fine, not my point). There is such an inflation issue with the perspective of readers that devalues anything less than 90 to pure trash.

    Anyways, for Halo CE fans this game is a 100. It's the game we love, with the faults we love, now with online co-op. Nothing gets better than that. I get lost on Pillar of Autumn    I'm starting to doubt the value of the score in video game reviews (83 is fine, not my point). There is such an inflation issue with the perspective of readers that devalues anything less than 90 to pure trash.

    Anyways, for Halo CE fans this game is a 100. It's the game we love, with the faults we love, now with online co-op. Nothing gets better than that.

    I get lost on Pillar of Autumn and the Maw every time.    … Expand
  16. KriticalV
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    The game feels exactly like it did ten years ago. It could not be more perfect. The graphical enhancements that have been made are absolutely outstanding. This game gets an easy ten from me just for the campaign. The mutiplayer maps are just a bonus.
  17. davestadnik
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    SIMON APPROVED BIATCHESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! i love it so does he!
  18. spongythebk
    Nov 16, 2011
    10
    I've have played video games since pong and halo is still to date the best game I ever played. With all the crap that came out this fall like mw3 and the price drop of only 40$ this is a still I would more the happily pay 150$ for this. If your a true halo fan like me get this game if you don't like halo rent it see if this changes your mind because this is the greatest game of all time
  19. Gayfish
    Nov 19, 2011
    10
    It's a great game, one of the hardest FPS on legendary difficulty. As for the updated graphics and frame rate I would give it an 8 because it tends to lag at loading points and imo Halo: Reach has better graphics. Story wise it doesn't get much better than the Halo franchise. Best of all the pistol is still the best weapon in the entire game.
  20. chuggyman
    Nov 16, 2011
    10
    my **** exploded when i played this game. memories memories memories. Me at the age of 12 waking up early all throughout winter holidays to play Halo campaign and multiplayer with my brother and my friends. Amazing times, when I played the first level all I thought about was me at sitting by the fireplace, with a blanket, the snows outside, christmas lights are up, and im enjoying the hellmy **** exploded when i played this game. memories memories memories. Me at the age of 12 waking up early all throughout winter holidays to play Halo campaign and multiplayer with my brother and my friends. Amazing times, when I played the first level all I thought about was me at sitting by the fireplace, with a blanket, the snows outside, christmas lights are up, and im enjoying the hell out of some Halo. 10/10. ****… Expand
  21. Reviewer2401
    Nov 18, 2011
    10
    An awesome game:
    Best FPS campaign of the decade, and 2011.
    Great Graphics
    Intelligent Story
    Very well directed terminals.
    Skulls.
    7 awesome maps.

    What more do you want?
  22. YehDardz
    Nov 20, 2011
    10
    Was my favourite game back in 2001 and is still my favourite game today. No game is yet to beat it. Plus we get an added graphics layer and a whole lot of other bonus stuff, this really is a great game.
  23. PoK3RFaC3D
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    Halo: CE got a 10 originally. I'm not sure why it deserves anything less now. People saying that 343 is just being money hungry, well they're not. Halo: CE costs 20 dollars on the xbox live market place, and the map pack is 15. For 5 more dollars you get the disk, terminals, updated graphics, and skulls.

    This game is worth 60 dollars, you'd be a fool to not buy it for 40.
  24. predator3
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I am shocked this doesn't have 90's for reviews. I guess I'll see when I play it. :/ I hope it's good. When HALO 4 is getting high 90's . So u hope these reviews get better.… Expand
  25. guiturbo
    Dec 29, 2011
    10
    Jogo e muito bom, o 3d e bakana. como sempre a serie halo esta de parabens, agora estou na espera de halo 4, tomara que não demore para chegar. poderia tambem era fazer o halo 2 remake com graficos em HD e 3d.
    Halo e so jogando para saber como e bom.
  26. briankong196
    Nov 24, 2011
    10
    Bungie entrusted Halo to 343 industry, then 343 gives us Halo Anniversary, perhaps it would not be as bad as people would've guess. Halo Anniversary gives you a completely remastered campain, remakes of some of the old halo maps, and a whole new firefight. The campain was very well done, it definity feels like playing a game that came out 10 years ago with a whole new graphics, sound andBungie entrusted Halo to 343 industry, then 343 gives us Halo Anniversary, perhaps it would not be as bad as people would've guess. Halo Anniversary gives you a completely remastered campain, remakes of some of the old halo maps, and a whole new firefight. The campain was very well done, it definity feels like playing a game that came out 10 years ago with a whole new graphics, sound and everything especially the HALO 1 PISTOL. Firefight was good, the new AI helping you out does come in handy at the early part of the game but eventually they would become useless. The remastered maps are really nice and acually feels like being in the good old halo again. Halo Anniversary definitely am the proof to us that 343 can continue the halo series. It may not look and compete with the modern games like MW3 or BF3, but as a remake of a game that was 10 years ago and as an anniversary, its definity worth it.… Expand
  27. IguanasSmegma
    Nov 23, 2011
    10
    in my humble opinion the graphics are amazing for a remastered game, I think this is the best remasterization all time.

    Even if you compare with other Halos you will see lot's of improvments in ilumination and scenarios. Just the facial animation and modeling are just okay. But everything was well improved. Compare with some remasterizations like SHADOW OF THE COLOSSUS wich is pretty much    in my humble opinion the graphics are amazing for a remastered game, I think this is the best remasterization all time.

    Even if you compare with other Halos you will see lot's of improvments in ilumination and scenarios. Just the facial animation and modeling are just okay. But everything was well improved. Compare with some remasterizations like SHADOW OF THE COLOSSUS wich is pretty much the same, nothing changed or RESIDENT EVIL 4.(these are FANTASTIC GAMES, I'm talking about remasterization)

    I used to be that guy who was always trolling people for being Halo FAN.

    One day I've decided to check this out and I had an incredible surprise that how awesome HALO is, and I took back everything that I've said.

    Playing Halo on LEGENDARY is really fantastic how the enemies Elites move. sometimes is frustrating as well, because seems to be like the AI guess how decision you gonna make.

    Another thing that catches me on HALO is the ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK. I use to hear the SOUNDTRACK once in a while to relax.

    Just think about it, give it a chance, if you are a FPS fan you wont be disappointed    … Expand
  28. Okamimaster
    Nov 18, 2011
    10
    Having never experienced the original Halo: CE, I was blown away by this game. I can see now why the original game was given a 97/100 back in 2001. Now, with the improved graphics, and the online multi-player ability, Halo: CE is better than ever. Well great job Bungie for the original Halo: CE and great job 343 Industries for a great Halo 10th Anniversary celebration game!
  29. IDontMiss
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    It's the game we love, with the faults we love, now with online co-op.
    There are faults; it doesn't run as smooth as its older counterpart, and the new graphics look like the inside of a Chucky Cheese. Still, the faults are cancelled out by online co-op, multiplayer, achievements, and terminals. So while it's not Halo: Combat Evolved as it was 10 years ago, the game is untouched mostly,    It's the game we love, with the faults we love, now with online co-op.
    There are faults; it doesn't run as smooth as its older counterpart, and the new graphics look like the inside of a Chucky Cheese. Still, the faults are cancelled out by online co-op, multiplayer, achievements, and terminals. So while it's not Halo: Combat Evolved as it was 10 years ago, the game is untouched mostly, and that game is still a 10 out of 10, even with it's modern-day drawbacks.    … Expand
  30. ArdentPrayerX
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    It's the best game of Halo (Halo: Combat Evolved). I'm excited with the terminals that explain history of 343 Guilty Spark and Halo 4. I like very much
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Awards & Rankings

49
#49 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2011
14
#14 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2011
41
#41 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 73 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 65 out of 73
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 73
  3. Negative: 0 out of 73
  1. Xbox Achievements
    Feb 15, 2012
    83
    Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary is almost as good in reality as it ever was in your memory. The graphical update is welcome and the multiplayer maps are decent if not amazing. There are a few rough edges and cracks around the once infallible gameplay, but nothing that would stop you enjoying Halo: CE immensely the second (or first – lucky you) time around.
    Read full review
  2. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jan 19, 2012
    70
    Nicely done remake of one of the essential games among console FPS genre has the potential to surprise newcomers and thrill the veterans. [Christmas 2011]
  3. EGM
    Jan 3, 2012
    85
    It's an amazing piece of gaming history, to be certain, but a purchase decision still comes down to this: If you're a fan of the series who loved or missed the original, it's a no-brainer. This is one of the best pieces of fanservice our industry has ever produced, and you need to go buy it. On the other hand, if you're an FPS fanatic trying to decide between this or Rage or Deus Ex, you may want to think twice before dropping 40 bones on a shooter that doesn't quite stack up to the competition.
    Read full review
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